The return of the Lapathon was a great end to Week 8. Thank you for the wonderful spirit shown by all who attended - the interactions between students from across the school was heartwarming. From our little-ones in kindy to our 2025 school leavers, families and friends, everyone was clocking many, many steps last Friday. Total gold coins collected for Wheelchair for Kids was $684. We have set the bar for next time! Special thanks to the Prefects for organising the afternoon.

St Joseph - Pray for Us.

Amen.

Ms Keenan

On Friday of Week 8 in the beautiful sunshine, the Lapathon was held again for the first time in more than six years. This included all the students at our College, from Kindy to Year 12. It was a beautiful afternoon full of fun, exercise, house spirit and community, as the college came together to raise money for Wheelchair for Kids. Thank you to all the students who participated, donated and wore their best house-themed coloured dress-ups. Thanks also to all the staff who helped organise and run the event, and their amazing dedication to their stamping duty.

The winners of most laps run and house with the overall most laps will be announced during our end of term assembly.

Thank-you!

Bethany and Charlotte

Blessed Frederic Ozanam

Feast Day: September 8

Life:

A french scholar who was often mocked for his Catholic faith, Frederic wanted his actions to do the talking. He and a friend began moving through the streets of Paris, offering assistance to the poor as best they could, this was the early beginning of the St Vincent de Paul Society which rapidly spread in Europe. Frederic continued his work as a lecturer, working to bring out the best in each student while serving those in need and starting his own newspaper dedicated to justice for the poor and working class. After some poor health, Ozanam died in 1853 and was beatified in 1997 and is on his way to becoming a Saint of the Church.

Reflection:

Frederic Ozanam always respected the poor while offering whatever service he could. Each man, woman, and child was too precious to live in poverty. Let us be inspired to be generous and offer our love, support and service to those in need. Blessed Frederic Ozanam, pray for us.

The Year 7-12 athletics team travelled last Sunday to compete on Monday at the ACC G Division athletics carnival in Perth. The team stayed the night at Trinity College, East Perth, enjoying an evening of games, basketball, volleyball and a pizza dinner.

On Monday after an early start, they arrived at the WA athletics stadium in Mt Claremont ready for a great day of running, jumping and throwing. The team put up a fantastic effort in the carnival despite being unable to field our strongest team and finished a creditable 7th overall out of the eight schools. Many team members enjoyed excellent individual event results, and the following students did great in the individual overall placings.

Ella Tasila 5th U/19 girls

Jack Heslop 2nd U/15 boys

Andre De Giambattista 5th U/15 boys

Josh Mack 3rd U/14 boys

Richard Opuni 5th U/14 boys

Thank you to Mr Ruck, Miss Markham, Mr Blom and Miss Gill for joining us on the trip and to the team captains, Peter and Abbey, and Team manager, Charlotte, for seating an excellent example for the younger athletes and assisting with student marshaling for events.

Paul O'Donnell

Congratulations to the following students from St Joseph’s who celebrated their First Reconciliation on Thursday evening: Xeno, Patrick, Finn, Imogen, Theo, Leroy, Gianna, Donovan, Paige, Tanzi, Lillian, and Henry.

It was a special and reverent celebration. We extend our gratitude to Father Vince, Father Joel, Mrs Palfrey, Miss Lewis, and Miss Naylor for preparing the students, and to the families for their ongoing support in their child’s faith journey.

Art Competition - Rachel L

I apologise for the delay of this post; there have been some complications, and photos are currently unavailable.

The 2025 Art Competition has finally come to an end, with 55 participants and 12 winners.

Junior School

The Encouragement Award (4^th place): Georgia M (Year 5)

3^rd place: Kiera N (Year 5)

2^nd place: Oliver W (Year 4)

1^st place: Ben M (Year 4)

Middle School

The Encouragement Award (4^th place): Bryn R (Year 9)

3^rd place: Ziv H (Year 9)

2^nd place: Amelia A (Year 7)

 1^st place: Charisma S (Year 9)

Senior School

The Encouragement Award (4^th place): Lachlan H (Year 10)

3^rd place: Josh T (Year 12)

2^nd place: Matilda R (Year 10)

1^st place: Marcus C (Year 12)

Everyone worked very hard on their artworks, from paintings to digital art, mosaics and woodwork. The art pieces were judged by Mrs Bogoni (Junior school only), Mrs Truscott (Middle & Senior School only), Mrs Goodlad, and the Year 12 Arts & Culture Prefect, Rachel Lowry.

From the very start, the students were all very excited about the Art Competition. The art pieces were worked on in both art class and at home. The students had till May 30^th to submit their artworks to either Mrs McGlade or Mrs Goodlad.

Quotes from participants and winners:

‘I think it should be done again because it was fun drawing my picture. I didn’t expect to win 1^st, I hoped a tiny bit that I didn’t win, I only entered for fun 😊’

‘I enjoy painting a lot, so when there was an art competition, I was really happy. I am really excited for the next art competition, and I am happy for the winner.’

‘ I was proud that I won a prize’

‘I think that the art competition was a great idea. Lots of people thought that my work was really good, which made me feel proud. I think that you can learn things from the art competition, I learnt how to make a mosaic.’

‘I felt it was very funny when I had to enter the art competition, and I look forward to doing it again. It was very fun and I love to do it every year.’

‘I am proud of myself for entering the art competition, pushing myself out of my comfort zone for this competition.’

‘The art competition was an overall positive experience, and I enjoyed both creating my piece and seeing the creativity of other students. Winning was a great surprise, and I feel proud that my work was recognised. I’d definitely be interested in taking part in something like this again.’

‘I really enjoyed working on the art when I entered the school's art competition. I entered an Abstract Rose and A Hibiscus. I will definitely be participating in the School's art competition again; I will practice and perfect my drawing skills so maybe I can win next year! Even though I did not win, I am still so glad that I entered because I got to do something that I really enjoy doing.’

‘The art competition that was held this year was a really good addition to just plain regular school. It was very interesting to see other pupils' styles of expressing themselves, as well as seeing different art styles. If it is held again next year, I would happily enter again.’

Quote from Arts & Culture Prefect:

‘It was really amazing to see everyone submit in their hard work and express their creativity. I couldn’t have organised any of this without the help of Mrs Goodlad, Mrs Truscott, Mrs Bogoni, and the P&F Committee, who sponsored the prizes. Thank you all so much for your support!’

I had lots of fun organising this and seeing everyone enjoy the art competition. I hope the next Arts and Culture Prefect will continue this event next year, and it can become an annual school event!

The Secondary School Choir recently entertained students at Australian Christian College and Mt Manypeaks Primary School as part of their one-day concert tour. In the afternoon, the choir sang for senior citizens at a special event at Juniper Community Centre, hosted by the City of Albany. The choir was in top form and delighted their audiences with their wonderful harmonies, choreography and acting. Every audience was enthusiastic in its praise. Comment of the day (from a staff member at Mt Manypeaks school) "That was the best live choir performance I've ever been to."

Please be advised that the date set for Confirmation and all activities have been changed from Term Three to Term Four.

Confirmation Commitment Masses: Term Four, week two, Saturday 25th October, 6.00pm Holy Family Church AND Sunday 26th October, 9.30am Holy Family Church

Parent/child workshop: Term Four, week three, Thursday 31st October 6.00pm - 7.30pm

Retreat afternoon for students and to meet the Bishop: Term Four, week five, 12th November 1.30pm - 3.00pm

Sacrament of Confirmation: Term Four, week five, Sunday 16th November 9.30am Holy Family Church.

Thank you to the families who have sent in their sacramental initiation forms. For other families, if you wish your child to make the Sacrament of Confirmation and have forgotten to complete a form, please let me know and I will forward one to you.

Chris Palfrey - Liturgy and Sacramental Co-ordinator

We have two events coming up in November and December as part of our programs for the 16 Days in WA period. 

Visit this link for more info: https://www.education.wa.edu.au/web/albanyresidentialcollege/

All Abilities Cricket here in Albany.

Amity Health’s Communities for Children project funded by the Department of Social Services, provides funding and support to local organisations to deliver programs for families and children in the community.

For the October school holidays, Communities for Children has engaged Adam from Armed for Life, a mental health, resilience, and wellbeing mentoring organisation, to deliver two days of free workshop aimed at parents, carers, and service providers (school staff are welcome). We would greatly appreciate your school’s support in promoting these free workshops to ensure maximum engagement.

Adam is also highly experienced in presenting workshops for children and young people, with a strong history of facilitating these through schools. He would welcome the opportunity to connect with your school to offer his services throughout the region, complementing the workshops we are providing.

Adam’s contact details are included below.

adam@armedforlife.com.au

0438 938 049

Tuesday 30th September 2025 Armed for Life - Workshops for Parents, Carers and Service Providers Tickets, Tue, Sep 30, 2025 at 9:30 AM | Eventbrite

1. Healthy Men: Being a Role Model - 9:30am-10:30am
2. Managing and improving Kids Mental Health – 11:00am-12:00pm
3. Keeping Your Child Safe online – 1:00pm 2:00pm

Morning tea and lunch provided.

Wednesday 1st October 2025 Armed for Life - Workshops for Parents, Carers and Service Providers Tickets, Wed, Oct 1, 2025 at 9:30 AM | Eventbrite

1. Teaching children to make healthy decisions- 9:30am – 10:30 am
2. Bullying – 11:00am – 12:00pm
3. How to engage with children effectively- 1:00pm -2:00pm

Morning tea and lunch provided.

Join Us For The Launch of WA Mental Health Week!

The Mad Hatter Tea Party is a free community event held during the school holidays on Friday 3rd October from 10am-1pm at the Albany Town Square. Everyone is welcome to attend. For the 12th year running, the Mad Hatter event has been a valuable opportunity to unite in celebrating mental health awareness, connecting families and community members with the local mental health organisations available, and breaking down the stigma around mental health – while having some fun with the colourful Best Hat Parade and Competition. At the Town Square you can expect to see more than 20 mental health organisation stalls with free activities, live performances by local performers, interactive games, face painting, and free food including sausage sizzle and cupcakes.

I'm excited to have Paris McNeil joining us in Albany next week to talk about the upcoming social media ban for under-16s — a big change that’s likely to raise a few questions for families.

To help parents and carers prepare, the City of Albany is hosting a free Parent Information Session, and I'd really appreciate it if you could share the details through your networks.

When: Monday 15 September

Time: 5:30pm – 6:30pm

Where: Civic Rooms, City of Albany Administration Building

102 North Road, Yakamia

Cost: Free to attend

This session will break down what the ban actually involves, how it might impact young people, and how parents can best support their kids through the transition.

What parents will take away:

1. A clear understanding of the ban and what it means
2. Tips for helping their child adjust to life with less screen time
3. Practical tools to build healthy digital habits at home

It’s a great opportunity to get informed and feel confident about what’s coming. Hope to see lots of you there!

Registrations are open for the upcoming season.

Below is the direct registration link:

https://www.playhq.com/cricket-australia/register/64ed0c

Junior School Disco

September/October School Holiday Events!

To book visit https://www.albany.wa.gov.au/october

Saver Plus is a free, matched savings and financial education program that helps families on lower incomes build their money skills through budgeting workshops and receive up to $500 for education-related expenses.

Participants can put that money towards items such as laptops, books, uniforms, camps & excursions.

Program Highlights:

1. Save just $50 a month for 10 months and receive $500 matched savings
2. Complete up to 10 hours of online workshops (support provided)
3. Flexible start dates – join anytime
4. Must hold a Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card
5. Income from Carer Payment or Child Support is considered as income.

Beyond financial support, Saver Plus fosters dignity, confidence, and long-term wellbeing.

With the WACE exams fast approaching, many students are seeking opportunities to consolidate their knowledge and strengthen exam skills. We are running October Holiday Revision Courses in Week 1 & 2 of the school holidays, designed to complement school teaching and provide targeted exam preparation.

Each program delivers 10 hours per subject (2 hrs/day × 5), covering the full ATAR course content while focusing on exam‑style questions and common pitfalls. Courses are taught by specialist ATAR teachers with proven success in guiding students to higher results.

Please feel free to contact us here at Academic Task Force for any further information on 08 9314 9500.

BOOK NOW before all SOLD-OUT!

Albany Light Opera and Theatre Co. (ALOTCo) is hosting some cool theatre workshops during the October school holidays based at the Albany Port Theatre.

‘Capture the Audience’ - Singing Workshop

One of the highlights is a workshop led by Donna Markovic, a vocal and performance coach. The workshops will focus on vocal exercises, characterization techniques, and song performance, encouraging the desire to perform

1. For school aged students 12yrs plus
2. Wednesday, Oct 8th,10:00am to 3:30pm
3. Only $50

https://events.humanitix.com/capture-the-audience-singing-workshop

'Brush Up' Theatre Makeup and Wig Care

Demonstrated by Bonnie Henderson, with a Diploma of Screen and Media with a Specialist in Hair and Makeup, at The Australian Academy of Cinemagraphic Makeup RTO: 31527. A workshop on learning how to apply special aging effects makeup for stage and professionally install wigs for theatre productions.

1. Minimum age 10yrs old
2. Sunday, Oct 5th, 1:00pm to 3:15pm
3. Only $20 plus booking fee

https://events.humanitix.com/brush-up-theatre-makeup-and-wig-care

'Set The Stage' Basics of Stage Management

Presented by Peter Cook who first learnt about Stage Management in a unit at university and then many years ‘hands on’ at ALOTCo and Spectrum Theatres.

Workshop is intended to teach the basics of Stage Management including details of responsibilities of stage managers, assistant stage managers, and stagehands; stage construction and nomenclature; communications between production crews; responsibilities towards actors and performers.

1. Intended for all ages
2. Saturday, Oct 4th, 2 sessions - 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm or 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm
3. Only $10/session plus booking fee

https://events.humanitix.com/set-the-stage-basics-of-stage-management

‘Local Film Industry’ Q & A

FREE- Locally written and directed last May 2025 in Albany

Come meet local Writer, Director and producers Adam Morris and Talarah Pedrocchi, and some of the local Crew of 'Low Lie the Fields' and ask questions about the film industry.

Here’s your chance to get firsthand answers on the film industry

1. Intended for all ages
2. Thursday, 9 Oct, 7pm - 8pm

https://events.humanitix.com/local-film-industry-q-and-a

https://www.facebook.com/LowLietheFields